Obstacles To Restoration

OBSTACLES TO RESTORATION

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Jeremiah 3:22

Key Verse: “Return, ye backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings. Behold, we come unto thee; for thou art the LORD our God.” (Jeremiah 3:22)

Supporting Texts: Hosea 14:1-2, Isaiah 59:1-2, James 4:7, Psalm 66:18, Proverbs 28:13

INTRODUCTION:

Restoration is a divine agenda of God. Throughout Scripture, God reveals Himself as a Restorer, One who heals brokenness, revives what is dead, and brings back what was lost. Yet, not every believer experiences restoration, even though it is available. This is because certain obstacles stand as hindrances to receiving and sustaining divine restoration.

It is important to recognise that the devil actively resists restoration, for he is the thief that comes to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). But many times, believers themselves unknowingly put up barriers that block the flow of God’s restoring power. These obstacles may come in the form of sin, unbelief, disobedience, or failure to align with God’s principles.

In this study, we shall examine the major obstacles that hinder restoration and how to overcome them. Understanding and dealing with these obstacles is the key to unlocking a full recovery and enjoying the blessings of divine restoration.

1. UNREPENTED SIN AND DISOBEDIENCE

Sin separates man from God, and without reconciliation through repentance, restoration cannot take place.

a) Sin breaks fellowship with God (Isaiah 59:1-2): Sin erects a wall between God and man, preventing answers to prayers of restoration.

b) Disobedience delays restoration (Deuteronomy 28:15): Restoration comes to those who obey, not those who walk contrary to God’s commands.

c) Hidden sin hinders restoration (Psalm 66:18): When sin is cherished in the heart, God does not hear.

d) Repentance restores access (1 John 1:9): Confession and forsaking sin pave the way for restoration.

Biblical Example: Israel repeatedly lost blessings and suffered captivity because of their sins, until they repented and God restored them (Judges 3:7-9).

2. LACK OF FAITH AND EXPECTANCY

Without faith, restoration is impossible because God works where faith is present.

a) Faith is required for restoration (Hebrews 11:6): God rewards those who diligently seek Him in faith.

b) Doubt hinders divine intervention (James 1:6-7): Doubt makes restoration unstable and uncertain.

c) Fear paralyses recovery (2 Timothy 1:7): Fear weakens the believer and gives the enemy an advantage.

d) Hope sustains the journey to restoration (Romans 8:24-25): Expectancy is necessary for fulfilment.

Biblical Example: The Israelites failed to enter the Promised Land at first because of unbelief, delaying their restoration for 40 years (Numbers 14:1-4).

3. IGNORANCE OF GOD’S PROMISES

Restoration requires knowledge of God’s Word and promises. Ignorance leads to defeat and continued loss.

a) Lack of knowledge destroys (Hosea 4:6): Ignorance of God’s will keeps people in bondage.

b) Restoration comes by revelation (John 8:32): Truth sets free and restores.

c) The Word of God is the key (Psalm 119:105): Scripture gives direction for recovery.

d) Meditation empowers restoration (Joshua 1:8): Dwelling on God’s Word positions us for restoration.

Biblical Example: The widow of Zarephath was ignorant of divine provision until the prophet Elijah revealed God’s promise, leading to her restoration (1 Kings 17:13-16).

4. NEGATIVE ASSOCIATIONS AND ENVIRONMENTS

The wrong company and environment can hinder restoration by influencing our faith and actions.

a) Evil company corrupts good morals (1 Corinthians 15:33): Wrong friends can talk believers out of restoration.

b) Mockers weaken faith (Mark 5:40): Environments of unbelief limit God’s move.

c) The wrong counsel misleads (Psalm 1:1): Bad advice delays recovery.

d) Separation from wrong influence is necessary (2 Corinthians 6:17): Restoration requires staying in God’s atmosphere.

Biblical Example: Lot’s association with Sodom brought him losses, but God delivered him when he separated (Genesis 19:15-17).

5. LACK OF PRAYER AND SPIRITUAL WARFARE

Restoration often requires fervent prayer and warfare against spiritual forces resisting recovery.

a) Prayer enforces restoration (Joel 2:17-19): Priestly intercession brought Israel restoration.

b) Spiritual warfare breaks barriers (Ephesians 6:12): Restoration involves fighting unseen forces.

c) Neglecting prayer causes delay (James 4:2): Many fail to recover simply because they do not ask.

d) Persistence secures restoration (Luke 18:1): Prayer must be consistent until results manifest.

Biblical Example: Daniel prayed and fasted for 21 days before restoration was released, even though the answer was delayed by demonic opposition (Daniel 10:12-13).

6. IMPATIENCE AND DISCOURAGEMENT

Restoration is a process, and impatience can hinder full recovery.

a) Impatience aborts restoration (Ecclesiastes 7:8): The end is better than the beginning, but impatience can cut it short.

b) Discouragement weakens pursuit (Galatians 6:9): Many give up before their restoration arrives.

c) God’s timing is perfect (Habakkuk 2:3): Restoration may tarry but it shall surely come.

d) Perseverance guarantees results (Hebrews 10:36): Endurance is key to recovery.

Biblical Example: Saul lost his kingdom because of impatience in waiting for Samuel, and his restoration never came (1 Samuel 13:8-14).